Shepadoodle (Canis lupus) is an incredibly friendly and loyal dog, making a great companion for the whole family.
The Shepadoodle is often described as an intelligent breed, and with good reason. They have the brains of a German Shepherd and the good looks of a standard Poodle, although Poodles are also highly intelligent. Overall, this means they are beautiful hybrids with an almost infinite amount of personality. They also have the non-shedding attribute of the Poodle breed.
They are sometimes referred to as the ‘lap dog in boots’ due to their rugged exterior, but in reality they are a very affectionate breed that loves to cuddle.
They are a gentle breed that loves being around their family. Although they are not hyperactive, they do require plenty of exercise.
History of the Shepadoodles Breed
Shepadoodles is a relatively young breed. They were bred in the United States by the US Army in the 1960s for the specific purpose of being a military police dog. The Shepadoodle was first recognised as a separate breed by the AKC in 2012.
Physical Attributes of a Shepadoodle
The Shepadoodle is a medium-sized dog breed that has a sturdy build. As a hybrid dog breed, their appearance will differ substantially in look from dog to dog, even within the same litter. Their fur can be anything from short to long, curly to straight, and a variety of diverse hues.
Their long, coarse hair gives them a rugged look, but their elegant face and tail make them look more like a purebred poodle.
They’re a fantastic dog breed for allergy sufferers or people who don’t want to deal with a lot of shedding fur, as the Poodle is typically used in hybrids due to its hypoallergenic (low shedding) fur.
This gorgeous mix will always shed less than a standard German Shepherd, regardless of which fur type they have. With floppy ears and clever brown eyes, this dog breed is strikingly attractive. Their tails are usually lengthy and slightly feathered, especially in the longer haired varieties.
Temperament of a Shepadoodle
Shepadoodles are known for their gentle temperament, well-mannered disposition, and their eagerness to please. They are a very loyal breed, loving in nature and adore playing with children and other pets.
The Shepadoodle does not bark continually, only when they need to be heard or excited. Their peaceful demeanor can be quite deceiving, as this dog breed is a fantastic watchdog.
Their intellect and devotion to family allow them to be protective without being aggressive, and they are more than eager to warn you if something unusual occurs.
Exercise
The Shepadoodle breed is energetic by nature and needs regular and rigorous exercise, after all they are descended from two working breeds! Exercise for this type of dog is vital for their confidence and overall well being. A strong, active dog like this breed will need plenty of daily exercise such as walking, jogging, fetching, or performing agility routines. The walks need to be long, as this will calm them down and become restful.
If you’re not prepared to put in the daily long walks, then this isn’t the breed for you. They burn off lots of energy, so you will need to be able to keep up with them.
Shepadoodles also need socialization with other dogs. Regular visits to the park so that they can actively play with other dogs are a must.
Regular exercise will also help with the separation anxiety that this breed suffers with. They love human interaction and are not happy when they are left alone.
Weight
Typically the weight of a Shepadoodle is between 50 – 90 pounds. Although weight is mostly determined by which parent dominates the gene pool.
With hybrid breeds, you will get a wide variation in weight, as weight unpredictability is a common trait with hybrids.
There is also unpredictability with their exercise needs as well. Larger Shepadoodles may require more walks and exercise than some of the smaller ones.
Behavior
Shepadoodles are really good, well behaved dogs. They are loyal to humans, well mannered, and are loving and warm. They love children and other pets, especially cats. They are delightful dogs to have around a family household.
Early socialisation and training are strongly recommended in order to bring a Shepadoodle’s excellent nature to the forefront. These puppies need to be introduced to other canines, new faces, and new children and people while they are still puppies. The result of this is that they become calmer and friendlier.
Most dog breeds benefit from socialization. If they don’t have this, then a dog may develop social anxiety, fear, and aggression.
Training a Shepadoodle
Overall, Shepadoodles are relatively easy to train. This is mainly due to the Shepadoodle originally being created to be a service dog. Shepadoodles respond very well to training and have remarkable innate instincts.
The Shepadoodle a quick learner because their heritage includes two highly intelligent breeds.
Because they are a very active dog who responds well to a committed and dominating pack leader, early training, socialization, and discipline are encouraged (it’s always crucial to take advantage of those impressionable days).
If you’re not that well versed when it comes to training a larger dog, always seek professional help. Check out local seasoned trainers to establish the concept of dominance and discourage destructive habits early on.
In obedience and agility training, these dogs do remarkably well.
However, for the best results, it’s still critical to focus on positive reinforcement and reward-based training.
Grooming Needs of A Shepadoodle
This dog breed is ideal for owners who don’t want hair all over the house or have allergies because neither length of hair sheds significantly.
The Shepadoodle doesn’t require that much upkeep. They are classed as low to moderate in grooming demands. Very little brushing is required as the shorter coat means little or no risk of knots or matts.
With the longer-coated Shepadoodle, a little more attention is needed when it comes to brushing. If they are left unattended, tangling will occur.
A good brush a few times a month will suffice to keep it looking neat and tidy.
Bathing
Bathing is only required a few times a year, or if they get really muddy on a walk. The fur of a Shepadoodle is odourless and cleans off easily with a nice shake from your dog.
One important step to take after bathing or swimming is to properly inspect and dry the ears. They need to be cleaned and dried well, as any debris or moisture left in the ear canal can cause infection and inflammation.
Nail care
Shepadoodles will need to have their nails cut every few weeks to maintain their paw health and reduce scratching. This isn’t always the case, as the nails do get worn down on regular walks, but it’s always good to keep an eye out for their nail health.
Health Considerations
Even though this breed is typically considered a healthy breed, there are still a few health considerations with the Shepadoodle.
Shepadoodles are susceptible to the same health problems as their parents, including hip dysplasia and Von Willebrand’s illness, which is a blood disease that prevents simple clotting.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that is passed down from their parents, so can’t really be remedied. It causes deterioration of the hip joints, limiting mobility and causing your pet pain and suffering. This isn’t the case with all Shepadoodles.
If this condition does occur in an improbable scenario, it is not a severe setback. This problem can be managed thanks to the excellent assistance of modern vets.
As with most long haired breeds, bug and flea bites are a problem if their long hair is not properly combed.
Shepadoodles, on the other hand, are tough and healthy canines. They can prove to be quite resilient due to their solid build and good health. Of course, they can only enjoy a healthy life with your help.
Life Expectancy
Shepadoodles have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, which isn’t bad at all, when compared to the average lifespan of a dog, which is 15 years.
This will give you plenty of wonderful years with an amazing breed of dog.
If you feed them good food, give them plenty of exercise, frequent vet appointments, love, good hygiene, mental stimulation and a balanced diet then who knows how long they can live!
Shepadoodle Puppy Price
First and foremost, always buy your Shepadoodle puppy from a reputible breeder.
In the US and UK there are very few Shepadoodle breeders, so you will probably have to pay quite a high price for a Shepadoodle puppy. Because of high demand and low supply, expect a long wait and to pay $4000+ for an adorable puppy.
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